Everton’s summer signings graded: James Rodriguez shines, Doucoure unsung hero

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As the international break arrives now is as good a time as ever to take a look at grading the Everton signings this summer.

The Toffees once again made big moves in the transfer market and signed a number of players who should make a big difference to their season this time around.

James Rodriguez was the marquee name, while Abdoulaye Doucoure arrived for £20m and Allan came in from Napoli to add steel and bite in the middle of the park.

However, despite the good signings and flying start to the campaign, Everton have dipped off of late. A series of losses have seen the Toffees tumble down the table and with that, so have some of the early season grades we might have given.

So, with that, who’s performing well and who is not producing? Here’s grades so far when it comes to Everton’s summer signings.

Allan – B-

Looked brilliant in the opening few games but has definitely levelled off of late for whatever reason.

But Ancelotti seems him as vital it seems and, in fairness, he has done well adapting to the Premier League. A fine player, but will be disappointed with how things have gone recently.

James Rodriguez – A-

Would have scored higher had it not been for the recent dip in form by the whole team and the injury problems which seem to have appeared.

Rodriguez has transformed Everton, though. He is genuinely world class and he is probably the big hope for the Toffees in terms of sustaining a top four push.

Abdoulaye Doucoure – A

Doucoure was always going to do quite well and so it has proven. Energetic, strong, and box to box, Doucoure is something of a throw-back midfield player in that he can do a bit of everything.

This was a smart move by Ancelotti and Doucoure has been excellent so far in the main.

Ben Godfrey – C

Has only dipped his toe in Premier League action really but did put in a solid display when being introduced in the Merseyside derby clash with Liverpool.

Godfrey will be more of a long-term signing and will do well. He was one of the most sough-after defenders in the English game when Norwich got relegated so Everton fans be confident this one will get better with time.

Niels Nkounkou – C

Has looked good at times when he has played but clearly has a lot of work to do in terms of the defensive side of his game.

Nkounkou, though, has been given chances by Ancelotti so he clearly is highly-thought of. Brilliant going forward, so in terms of potential, he could be a fine capture for Everton for the longer term.